TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under direction, to develop and coordinate all activities of the tourism development program (natural, cultural, and heritage tourism), including the development budget and plan; to lead the work of assigned staff; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Clackamas County Tourism & Cultural Affairs (CCTCA) Department is the destination marketing organization for Clackamas County. It is funded by the transient room tax charged on all overnight stays in commercial lodging facilities in the county. The department is responsible for strategies that both develop tourism attractions, facilities and products, and markets the destination through advertising, promotions, public relations and sales materials. By increasing the number of new and repeat visitors to the County, the department contributes to economic development and local vitality.

The Tourism Development Coordinator guides and provides oversight of all activities of the tourism development program, focusing on research and development of new tourism assets, products and opportunities within the County; and creates and implements a tourism development plan that includes elements of agri-tourism, outdoor recreation, events, heritage, lodging, and international and culinary travel. This position has responsibility for the tourism development program's budget, project management, and leads and coordinates the work of staff, contractors, contracts and vendors. The Tourism Development Coordinator reports to the Executive Director of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, who is responsible for the overall tourism and cultural affairs program as established by the Tourism Development Council of Clackamas County and the Board of County Commissioners.

The Tourism Development Coordinator differs from Tourism Marketing Supervisor that focuses on tourism marketing and has full supervisory responsibilities. It differs from the Community Relations Specialist that concentrates on local communities and businesses, education/training of tourism partners and local partnership building, and does not have supervisory or lead work responsibilities.

TYPICAL TASKS

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

Creates, implements and coordinates tourism development plan and strategies; ensures a variety of elements are included such as agri-tourism, outdoor recreation, events, heritage, lodging, and international and culinary travel; assesses needs and opportunities for tourism product development within the Mt. Hood Territory; researches, explores and develops new tourism products, attractions, markets and opportunities within the County; communicates and represents developing niches to the tourism industry.

Counsels, advises and provides information and support to tourism partners and interested parties; cultivates productive working relationships with tourism partners including community, federal, state, regional, local, arts/cultural/heritage, internal County, and County Events Center/Fairgrounds; provides support to parties seeking to establish or expand tourism opportunities within the County; works with partners to further develop international products/packages; serves as a liaison between CCTCA and interested parties on development of tourism assets in Clackamas County.

Assesses, monitors and leverages existing community and tourism assets; engages with partners, businesses and communities to better leverage assets and increase return on investments, overnight stays, and tourism activity within the County; works with communities, lodging partners, tour operators, and others to overcome or mitigate barriers to existing and potential tourism related opportunities and activities; plans and coordinates with regional partners on travel tradeshows and tourism related educational events.

Represents and serves as liaison for CCTCA on various boards, associations, committees, governmental agencies, and chambers; preserves, promotes and strengthens relationships with entities and partners; participates in collaborative regional events; ensures Clackamas County remains viable and attractive to those offering tourism opportunities or desiring to develop or enhance tourism assets.

Leads the work of employees; provides daily work direction; plans, schedules, assigns and reviews work; trains and provides assistance and guidance to staff; analyzes and resolves work problems; makes; provides feedback to management on personnel actions, such as hiring and performance evaluations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of: Principles and practices of tourism development, marketing and promotion from a local government perspective; Clackamas County tourism product; principles of community and media relations; proper office procedures and practices; project management; basic principles of supervision.

Skill to: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing including demonstrated ability to instruct, explain, persuade, negotiate, facilitate discussions and meetings, and speak convincingly to large groups; represent the CCTCA and Mt. Hood Territory offerings to a variety of partners and other interested parties; collect, analyze and evaluate data from an array of sources; formulate and present recommendations; establish and maintain effective and positive relationships with other staff, clients and tourism partners; manage time effectively; initiate projects, work independently on several projects simultaneously; exercise independent judgment with limited supervision; lead, assign and review work of staff, contractors and others; motivate people in the workplace; listen effectively to issues raised by staff, consultants and the public; develop, organize and coordinate staff and other resources to accomplish department and program goals; create presentations and promotional materials; prepare, negotiate and administer contracts and governmental agreements; formulate and evaluate policies and procedures; develop and justify budget requests; administer the distribution and proper use of funds according to the approved budget or awarded under grant programs; operate office equipment including personal computers, photocopiers, printers and projectors; use standard software programs including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

MINIMUM RECRUITING STANDARDS

Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and skills.